Articles & Questions
Every week I publish a fun new article on a money topic I think you’ll find interesting. I also answer a handful of reader questions. Subscribers to my newsletter get to see everything first — but you can browse some of my past articles & questions on this page.
My Best Articles
Not sure where to start? Below I’ve handpicked a few of my favourites. And if you like what you see, don’t forget to subscribe to my free newsletter to get new issues before anyone else!
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Pay Off Your Home in 10 Years
Hello, I read a book about property investing by Konrad Bobilak and there is a chapter on how pay your house off in 10 years with no extra payments. The deal is using a 55-day credit card, keeping all your earnings in an offset home loan account, using your credit card daily, and setting up an automatic transfer before 55 days to pay back from the offset to the credit card.
I'm in Love
Scott, I’m in love! I met a guy six months ago, and he’s now moving into my house and wants to put his income into paying down my mortgage while we use my income to live on.
Let’s Hear It, Barefoot
How come your book does not come as an audiobook? I am sure there are many visually impaired younger people who would love to learn from you.
Paid Off the House … What Next?
Hi Scott, My partner and I both turn 32 this year, and by January 2018 we will have our home paid off in full, all on a combined $150,000 a year. We are already thinking ‘what next?
The Gambler
Hi Scott, My situation is complicated and I need your advice. I am in my early 40s and have been with my fiancé for seven years.
What Should I Do About My Crazy HECS Debt?
Hi Barefoot, I will get straight to the point. I have a crazy HECS debt to the tune of $70,000.
We Can’t Sleep at Night
Hello Scott, My husband and I are on the age pension and receive $2,200 per month. We also receive an overseas pension of $700 a month.
I Ruined My Husband’s Life
Hi Scott, My husband’s business has taken a massive hit, and I am entirely to blame. He is a part-owner of a successful business for the past eight years.
Go Wash Yourself, Barefoot
Barefoot, I have no question. I just cannot believe that -- in the paper last week -- you would be pushing a company such as Amazon.
A Brick to the Head
Hi Barefoot, I have been thinking about what I could do to have my deposit savings keep pace over the next couple of years before I buy my place. One idea I have is to invest my deposit savings into BrickX, which allows you to buy a share in an investment property.
How to get into your home 30% quicker
When I was a kid, all I wanted for my birthday was a pair of Air Jordans. Mum and Dad got my hopes up.
What a 90-year-old gardener taught me about real wealth
Photograph: Chris Crerar Today I’ve got a real treat for you. I’m going to paint you a picture of what real wealth looks like.
The Professional Poor
Hi Scott, We are in our early 40s and, despite a combined income of $185,000, are feeling like the ‘professional poor’. Working long hours, drowning in our mortgage, two young kids (with two depressed parents), no support to even have a Barefoot Date Night.
Aggressive Wealth-Builders Go for Broke
Dear Barefoot, My husband and I are in our early 30s and we earn $175,000 combined. We are aggressive wealth-builders.
Our Friends Almost Ruined Us
Hi Scott, My husband and I lost $300,000+ in the GFC -- bad property, tax schemes (‘woodlots’), loans for shares, etc, all sold by a dodgy financial adviser and all of which collapsed! We have slowly shed the debts.
Worried Grandad
Hi Scott, My granddaughter’s father (my son-in-law) died when she was 10 years old, and left her a legacy. She is now 19 and has a share portfolio worth $105,000 earning (around $7,000 fully franked) and cash investments of $30,000.
Divine Intervention
Scott, Could this be divine intervention? I have just read your recent article in which you saved a single mum from a property ‘guru’.
Mojo or Offset?
Hi Scott, We are absolutely loving your book -- we are on Date Night Three and already feel more in control than we’ve ever been. But the one thing we can’t get our head around is your advice on Mojo -- you say that people shouldn’t put their Mojo money in an offset account.
You’ve Lost the Plot, Barefoot
Hi Barefoot, I always read your column and generally agree with your comments, but I strongly disagree with the thrust of your article on 29 January on ‘How to Retire Comfortably’. I do not dispute your arithmetic, just the logic that a couple need only get to the very bottom rung of the assets ladder (paid-off home plus $250,000 in super), and then rely on a taxpayer-funded pension for the rest of their lives.